Elizabeth Skidmore

Elizabeth Skidmore is an occupational therapist and rehabilitation scientist with expertise in rehabilitation intervention and implementation studies. Over the last two decades, Skidmore conducted a series of federally funded studies examining optimal training methods that promote long-term independence, community participation, and subsequent health among adults who have experienced stroke, including aphasia. Collectively, Skidmore’s studies examine essential elements that promote learning new skills to achieve healthy levels of activity and participation; reduce disability; and stimulate thinking, mood, and motivation. In partnership with several shareholder groups, Skidmore’s research team has refined the administration of meta-cognitive strategy training and behavioral activation approaches in inpatient, outpatient, and community rehabilitation settings. In addition, Skidmore consults with practitioners, health systems and scientists representing a breadth of disciplines and serving various clinical populations. She provides guidance on implementing evidence-based practices in clinical care. Skidmore has received many prestigious research awards including the United States Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the American Occupational Therapy Association 100 Influential People in 100 Years, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Women in Rehabilitation Science. She has also received numerous teaching and mentoring awards including the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean's Distinguished Teaching Award, the University of Pittsburgh Provost’s Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring, and the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Academic Educator Award. Skidmore is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation Academy of Research, and Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.